Description
Creamy Chicken Tamale Pie is a comforting Tex-Mex casserole featuring a moist cornbread base topped with a flavorful mixture of shredded chicken, sour cream, enchilada sauce, and melted Mexican blend cheese. This easy-to-make dish combines the hearty flavors of tamales with the convenience of a casserole, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Cornbread Mixture
- 1 (8.5-ounce) box cornbread mix (such as Jiffy)
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 (15-ounce) can creamed corn
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Chicken Topping
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped cilantro
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a 9×9-inch or similarly sized baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick during baking.
- Make the Cornbread Base: In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix, egg, milk, creamed corn, diced green chiles, ground cumin, and chili powder. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Partially Bake the Cornbread: Bake the cornbread mixture for 20 minutes, or until the top has set but is not fully cooked through. This creates a sturdy base to hold the chicken topping.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: While the cornbread is baking, mix the shredded cooked chicken with sour cream and enchilada sauce in a bowl until well combined.
- Add Chicken Layer Over Cornbread: Remove the partially baked cornbread from the oven and pierce it all over with a fork to allow steam to escape. Evenly spread the chicken mixture over the cornbread base.
- Top with Cheese and Finish Baking: Sprinkle the shredded Mexican blend cheese evenly over the chicken layer. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
- Rest and Garnish: Allow the tamale pie to rest for 5–10 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter alternative.
- Adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or using a spicy enchilada sauce.
- Serve with sides like avocado slices, fresh salsa, or a crisp green salad to complement the dish.
